Jake Olafsen

The author of Wearing the Green Beret: A Canadian with the Royal Marine Commandos, Jake Olafsen, a former marine commando, discusses his new book with Joseph Planta; as well he discusses his decision to leave the Canadian Forces reserve for the Royal Marines, and his time in Afghanistan, where he completed two tours of duty, and more.

Wearing the Green Beret: A Canadian with the Royal Marine Commandos by Jake Olafsen. (McClelland & Stewart, 2011)

There’s a new book that I’ve just started, Wearing the Green Beret: A Canadian with the Royal Marine Commandos. It’s a frank account of Jake Olafsen’s decision to join the military, his training, and his service in Afghanistan. It’s a fine view into service, sacrifice, and the military, how this war is being conducted, patriotism, life and death. Jake Olafsen joins me now. He helped fight forest fires here in BC in 2003 as a member of the Canadian Army Reserve, and for four years he was a Royal Marine Commando, serving two tours in Afghanistan. He left the corps in 2009, and returned home to Vancouver Island where he’s in the international marine security industry. The book is published by McClelland & Stewart. Please welcome to the Planta: On the Line program, Jake Olafsen; Good morning, Mr. Olafsen.